Rottweiler Temperament: Five Things You Need to Know

A large breed of dog, the Rottweiler is well-known for his protectiveness and ability to be fierce. He is courageous and self-assured, and many people get Rottweilers for this very reason. They are often used on police forces and in other organizations for protection and jobs that require a strong, confident dog that requires them to be able to act, or even attack, on command. They are known to be able to train in obedience and commands very well, responding with quick, precise action when trained well by the owner or handler. They were originally bred for protectiveness for flocks and livestock and over the years, they merged into becoming family pets. Like most breeds, they can be great family pets, however, many people may find them to be a bit much of a dog for just a pet. It takes the right owner to have a Rottweiler and much consideration needs to be given to this breed before jumping in and making one a part of your family. If a Rottweiler sounds like a dog you’d like to own, here are five things you need to know about the Rottweiler’s temperament.

1. Must be socialized early

Rottweilers, although they can be calm and good-natured, they are also territorial and their instincts make them wary of different situations, strangers and environments. They can have the tendency to act on impulse rather than being indiscriminate. Socializing them early on is important so that they learn to be controlled and not react simply by environmental influences. With the right owner and right training, this can be a very good dog and protective under the right circumstances.

2. Serious yet silly

The biggest part of the Rottweiler’s temperament is a serious side, although there can be a clowning around streak in them as well. They typically display a, wait-and-see, attitude that is quiet and sensible, although many Rottweilers also have a silly, clowning around side to them that will make you laugh. Along with the serious side of the Rottweiler, can also come stubbornness. This can be a challenge for training time and obedience issues.

3. Can be aggressive toward other animals

Like with any breed, each dog will vary from one-to-another when it comes to their individual characteristics. While many Rottweilers can learn to get along with other pets, some will have a tendency to be aggressive toward another animal. Your Rottweiler may learn to get along with the family cat, but may show aggression towards other cats. Rottweilers alos have a tendency to be more aggressive towards dogs of the same sex. Early, and ample socialization will help a Rottweiler learn how to respond to other animals, however, despite training, some people find their Rottweiler will still act on instinct.

4. Need regular mental and physical exercise

Rottweilers are physically active dogs, and thinkers. They need stimulation for both physical and mental needs to keep them fit and mentally challenged. A dormant Rottweiler can be a destructive Rottweiler. If you plan to get a Rottweiler, you will need to plan on daily, brisk walks, interactive playtime and mental exercises, such as, agility exercises, advanced obedience training, retrieving games, among others. Rottweilers need a large space to be able to cut loose and run, stretch and get their energy out. Rottweilers can live indoors and spend a lot of time inside with the family, however, they are not meant to be couch dogs and require quality outdoor time in order to be completely happy.

5. Will test you for leadership role

Because of their strong nature, both physically and mentally, Rottweilers will often try to show their leadership abilities and take over the role as leader of the pack. It is very important, with this breed of dog, to initiate the leader-of-the-pack role from the very beginning and not let him dominate you or the family. Leadership includes leash training that shows him you are in control and lead him, rather than him leading you. Command obedience training is another way to keep charge of your Rottweiler, but this must start as early as possible in order to establish the proper, pack/leader roles.

About The Author

Maria McCutchen

Maria McCutchen is an author and freelance writer living in Chattanooga, TN. She is the published author of her memoir, “It’s all in Your Head,” and a children’s book. She has been writing for over 15 years; writing articles, whitepapers, product write-ups and more for multiple online media sites, blogs, company websites and individuals. She is also an advocate for brain malformations, including Chiari Malformation, and works closely with the non-profit organization, The Chiari Project, writing for their quarterly newsletters.

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